Medical gases, will be ordered on an as-needed basis from a reputable company, which will deliver filled containers and remove empty containers promptly. Each newly-connected canister shall be tested for leaks at time of connection.

MSDS sheets provided by the medical gases company shall be maintained in the MSDS file.

Area used for storage of medical gases shall be posted in accordance with local regulations; necessary permits and licenses shall be obtained. Medical gases shall be administered only on the order of a provider Staff member with appropriate privileges.

Medical gases storage shall be planned so that cylinders are used in the order in which they are received from the supplier.

PROCEDURE:

Medical Gases Safety Information

1. Oxidizing gases, such as oxygen, will be stored separately from flammable gases or liquids in a secure storage area that is kept free of combustible materials and protected from extremes of heat and cold.

2. Oil, grease or other flammable or dust retaining materials will not be stored or used near any oxygen- related equipment.

3. All potential fire hazards must be eliminated in the presence of an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, i.e., no smoking or open flame is permitted.

4. All free-standing cylinders, whether empty or full, must be properly chained or supported with a cylinder stand or cart. Cylinders are never to be secured to portable or moveable apparatus, such as a bed or an oxygen unit.

5. Compressed gas cylinders shall be handled, stored, and used in a manner that will prevent damage to the valve. Cylinders stored in an upright condition will be secured on hand trucks or laid flat, blocked in place. Cylinders shall have cylinder caps securely in place when the cylinder, full or empty, is not in service.

6. Empty cylinders are to be identified, stored separately from full or partially full cylinders, and never used for any purpose other than that intended by the supplier.

7. Only personnel trained in the proper handling of cylinders, cylinder trucks and supports, and cylinder-valve protection caps shall be involved with the use and transport of equipment.

8. Posting Requirements:

* NFPA 99, Section 8-6.4.2 addresses the need for warning signs when oxygen is administered to patients. Warning signs with 'CAUTION, OXYGEN IN USE, NO SMOKING, NO OPEN FLAMES' are not needed in our facility as :

A. A flammable material B. A source of ignition, or a temperature sufficiently high to produce spontaneous combustion C. A surrounding atmosphere which contains oxygen in some form, such as air or pure oxygen.